has anyone successfully opposed a free school?

[iheartdusty]

I'm wondering if there has been any community opposition which has successfully put an end to a free school application?

Google brings up plenty of campaigns, but no reports of the outcomes.

I can't quite believe that there is no consultation before an application is approved or rejected - I know the applicants have to carry out a 'survey' to show demand, but there is no process at all, so far as I can see, for anyone to record their opposition to the proposal.

If anyone can point me towards examples of successfully fighting off an application, I'd be very grateful.

Are you objecting to the school being set up at all or to its location?

If their plans involve building new premises or a change of use to existing premises you can object to the planning application.

One near us was rejected by the board or whoever it is who gets the final say - so there must be some kind of power of vetoe! Didn't fight it in time, but I would have - just glad I didn't need to and common sense prevailed!

Thanks for answers.

The objection at the moment is to the school being set up at all. I've read some interesting threads on here debating the pros and cons - eg the very long one that started as questions to Toby Young - so wasn't intending to re-open that debate here.

TheOriginalSteamingNit - can you tell me any more? What area? Do you know if there was a website relating to the proposed school or people who were against it?

Have a google for Melissa Benn- she has written a book, "School Wars" on the issue of free schools and academies and is in the media a lot on the subject. She is a fierce opponent of them. Also look up the Local Schools Network- it should be able to point you in the right direction.

thanks fayrazzled